There has not been a running back selected in the first round in each of the past two drafts. That promises to change on Thursday with two elite running back options, Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley, both primed to go within the first 32 picks.
Here is a look at the five teams most likely to select a running back when the 2015 NFL draft kicks off on Thursday night.
1. Miami Dolphins
My mock draft is up: http://t.co/qZBIkGpPan
— Peter King (@peter_king) April 28, 2015
The Dolphins could very well head into the 2015 season with Lamar Miller as the team’s starting running back and still contend for a playoff spot. Selecting a running back on the first day might be a luxury. However, I can’t get past the thought of Todd Gurley lining up in the same backfield as Ryan Tannehill with the likes of Jordan Cameron, Kenny Stills, Jarvis Landry and Greg Jennings catching passes. That’s what you’d call a dynamic offense right there.
Given Gurley’s knee injury, he’d be a considerable risk at 14. He also wouldn’t represent a great deal of value, especially at running back. If that’s not the direction Miami wants to go, Melvin Gordon then becomes an option.
2. Dallas Cowboys
There’s a decent chance that Gurley or Gordon will be available when the Cowboys select at 27 on Thursday night. And while Jerry Jones has indicated that running back is not an immediate need, the team can’t feel comfortable heading into the 2015 season with an injury-riddled Darren McFadden and a enigmatic Joseph Randle atop its depth chart.
In terms of value, the Cowboys would do well if they were able to pick up one of the top running backs at the bottom of Round 1. It’s also a tremendous need at this point. Dallas was a borderline conference championship contender with the NFL’s top rusher, DeMarco Murray, carrying the ball last season. Without a running game anywhere near up to that level, the Cowboys are in danger of falling from their throne atop the NFC East. That’s how big this position is for the team.
3. San Diego Chargers
Courtesy of USA Today Sports: Philip Rivers has a decent back in Oliver, but Gurley or Gordon would certainly be an upgrade.
If the season were to start today, Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead would be competing for the Chargers starting running back job. If Philip Rivers isn’t sold on the future of the organization, just imagine what he’d think about the possibility of those two shouldering the load in the backfield. If the Chargers truly are committed to Rivers long term, they need to show it on the first day of the draft.
That’s where the less-risky of the two top running backs, Melvin Gordon, comes into play. He’d immediately take over as the team’s starter and could conceivably put up 1,500-plus rushing yards as a rookie. If I am the Chargers, I take that to the bank, lock it in a vault until August and literally run with it.
4. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons seem to be genuinely high on soon-to-be second-year running back Devonta Freeman, who put up less than 250 yards and just 3.8 yards per attempt as a rookie. But in order for this team to succeed over the long haul, it’s going to need more balance on offense. There’s absolutely no telling whether the Falcons’ high hopes for Freeman are warranted.
There are a multitude of needs here. Atlanta could look to add an elite pass rusher at eight, a position the team has been linked to over the past few months. The issue with this is recent off-field issues surrounding top EDGE prospects Randy Gregory and Shane Ray. Can the Falcons justify selecting either at eight? If not, they have to hope that either Vic Beasley or Bud Dupree falls to them.
Spending the eighth pick on a running back would be foolish. Trading down in the first round and adding a running back in the teens makes a ton more sense. In this, the Falcons could gauge interest from the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers, both of whom are said to be interested in moving into the top 10 to acquire a wide receiver. That would enable the Falcons to add either Gurley or Gordon in the first, and still nab a pass-rush option on Day 2.
5. Baltimore Ravens
Courtesy of USA Today Sports: Gordon would be an excellent option here.
Justin Forsett stepped up big time in lieu of a suspended Ray Rice last season. This performance enabled him to receive a nice multi-year deal from the Ravens. However, the fact that his best season came at the age of 29 has to be a bit alarming for John Harbaugh and company.
We already know that wide receiver is a major need here, but the Ravens are sitting at a less-than-ideal position with the 26th pick. The top-three receivers will be long gone by the time they select, which could force the team into reaching for a second-tier guy. Why not add value at a position of need should either Gordon or Gurley be available?
Photo: USA Today Sports